Marcelle Ward

Level: I am an amateur Group IV para dressage rider and compete in both able bodied dressage (Elementary/Medium BD) as well as para competitions (2* international level).

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Early riding years: I started riding when I was 8 years old, mostly consisting of helping out at the local stables hoping to get a free ride! During some challenging family and personal times as a child, I always found that time spent with horses in any way was therapeutic and rewarding. Subsequently, horses have always featured in my life. My first horse, Apollo, was a lively thoroughbred cross who was nine months old when I bought him; and introduced me to my love of dressage!

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Current equine partner: Dornroeshcen (aka Briar) is my primary competition horse and is a homebred 8-year old chestnut mare. Back in 2005 I bought a lovely but unbroken mare, Rosie, from Germany, who was in foal to De Niro. Briar is the result! I wanted to be able to create a bond with a horse right from day one, and this has paid dividends. Briar has turned out to be fantastically talented (albeit spirited!) and she has exceeded all of my expectations

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The job that pays for eventing: I work as a full-time sister in a busy haemodialysis ward. I am fortunate to be able to have my horses at home, which is a fantastic benefit.

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Riding highlights to date: In July 2014 I was selected to ride for GB in the CPEDI 2* International at Bishop Burton. It was a great honour to wear the union jack, and I was delighted to finish 6th overall in my group.